Front-End Fire 122: Snapchat Drops Valdi—A New Challenger to React Native?
Nov 17, 2025
Snapchat introduces Valdi, a new cross-platform tool aiming to compete with React Native, boasting features like hot reloading and native bindings. GitHub reveals its Agent HQ and enhances IDE integrations. TanStack DB rolls out new sync modes for real-time updates. Firefox debuts its new mascot, Kit, while also launching merchandise. Collins names 'vibe coding' as the Word of the Year, reflecting on its impact in tech. Meanwhile, hosts share their holiday joys, from light displays to inflatable decorations.
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Valdi Targets Native Performance From TypeScript
- Valdi compiles TypeScript to native views without web views or JS bridges for iOS, Android, and macOS.
- Snapchat aims to keep developer velocity while delivering native performance with TypeScript safety.
Don’t Rush Into Valdi For Production
- Valdi is in beta with sparse docs, so avoid adopting it immediately for production apps.
- Wait, experiment, and let the project mature before committing major resources.
Agent HQ As Central Control For Agents
- GitHub's Agent HQ will list and run agents from multiple providers across web, VS Code, mobile, Slack, and Teams.
- The service positions GitHub as a central control plane for heterogeneous agent workflows.